"That request of yours was quite unexpected. I thought you would propose something more immediate and practical."
"Because right now, I want nothing else from you. And I don't think I'm losing out. Quite the opposite-I think I'll gain a great deal."
Kallen shook his head.
Dawensi smiled. "You don't believe me? Actually, I've been watching you for a long time. How should I put it? You're impulsive yet rational. Of course, that isn't what matters most. What matters most is that the path you're on, and the plans those above have for you, are already set.
"You should know what this district's current Chief Bishop used to do. He always lived in the shadows, until what happened last time forced him into the light.
"But stepping out of the shadows only takes some getting used to. Stepping from the light into the shadows... isn't really an option.
"That's the difference between you and our Chief Bishop. He came out, but you can't go in. From now on, those above can only keep using you as a blade.
"This time is an excellent example. Those above must originally have wanted revenge, which is why they assigned you to oversee security for the Desert Order God Church delegation.
"Although they've now called it off, this sort of dirty, grueling work already falls to you by default."
Kallen lifted his teacup without speaking. What Dawensi said was almost identical to what District Chief Suss had said.
It was because the District Chief saw this trend clearly that his already favorable attitude toward Kallen had grown even warmer.
"Unless you suddenly die, or lose your footing on this path one day and fall to your death, once you really make it far enough, if those above need to purge us..."
Dawensi pointed at